The President also congratulates Mojtaba Khamenei; Hope the Ayatollah will guide the country to stability; Dar discusses war
President Asif Ali Zardari on the left and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on the right
ISLAMABAD:
Pakistan’s leadership on Tuesday congratulated Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei in a move aimed at maintaining a delicate balance at a time when the raging conflict between Tehran and the US-Israeli alliance continues to reshape the regional security landscape.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote separately to Mojtaba Khamenei following his assumption of the position of supreme leader following the assassination of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Islamabad’s carefully calibrated move came at a time when Pakistan is not only trying to maintain its neutrality in a rapidly escalating regional war, but is also reaching out to friends in the region and beyond to seek de-escalation and stability in the Middle East.
“President Asif Ali Zardari conveyed his good wishes to Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei upon his election and appointment as the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” said a press release issued by the Presidential Secretariat’s Media Wing on Tuesday.
“The president noted that the region is facing serious tensions and conflicts. He expressed hope that the situation will stabilize and conditions will improve for the people of the region,” the press release added.
Separately, the letter, released by the Prime Minister’s Office, Prime Minister Shehbaz expressed “deepest condolences and prayers” over the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, while extending best wishes to Mojtaba Khamenei.
“The martyrdom of Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei has deeply saddened the people of Pakistan, who stand in solidarity with the leadership and people of Iran at this difficult time,” the prime minister said.
Shehbaz expressed the hope that the new Iranian leader would guide his country “towards peace, stability, dignity and prosperity in the coming years”. Earlier, in a post on X, Shehbaz echoed Pakistan’s condolences and congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei on assuming a “burdensome responsibility”.
Without mentioning the United States, Shehbaz’s carefully worded message reflects Pakistan’s attempt to maintain diplomatic balance as tensions in the Middle East intensify amid an ongoing military confrontation between Iran and the US-Israeli alliance.
Islamabad has so far avoided taking a public side in the conflict, calling for restraint and calling for dialogue. At the same time, Islamabad has been working behind the scenes to seek de-escalation between Iran and the Gulf countries.
In this regard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on X Tuesday that Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar held telephone conversations with Foreign Ministers Wang Yi of China, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud of Saudi Arabia and Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani of Bahrain.
In these talks, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Dar exchanged views on developments in the regional situation and wider global developments. He shared Pakistan’s perspective and emphasized the urgent need to ease tensions in the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Foreign Minister Wang and DPM Dar emphasized the importance of de-escalation and emphasized the need to pursue dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the principles of the UN Charter.
“FM Wang Yi appreciated Pakistan’s constructive efforts aimed at promoting de-escalation and stability in the region,” it said, adding that the two sides reiterated their joint commitment to further deepen bilateral cooperation and agreed to remain in close contact.
Dar also discussed developments in the Middle East and the wider region in a telephone call to Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. “The two leaders exchanged views on ongoing discussions in the UN Security Council,” the State Department said.
During the call, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dar emphasized the importance of continued coordination and diplomatic engagement to support de-escalation and promote peace and stability throughout the region and beyond.
Last night, Dar spoke to Bahraini Foreign Minister Al Zayani and conveyed Pakistan’s grave concern over recent attacks in the region, including in Bahrain. He Dar reiterated Pakistan’s support to Bahrain, stressed the need for de-escalation, dialogue and initiatives to promote regional peace and stability.
Pakistan and Iran share a border of nearly 900 kilometers and maintain deep historical, cultural and religious ties. At the same time, Pakistan also maintains close strategic relations with the United States and strong political and economic ties with the Arab Gulf States.
Observers say the messages to Iran’s supreme leader signal continuity in Pakistan’s policy toward Iran, even as regional tensions escalate. This complex geopolitical positioning means that Islamabad must walk a fine diplomatic line during crises involving Tehran.
“The message of condolence and congratulations was necessary from a diplomatic point of view,” said a senior Pakistani official familiar with the matter. “Iran is a neighbor and an important regional country. But at the same time, Pakistan needs to maintain a balanced position in the ongoing conflict.”
Islamabad’s diplomatic engagement with Tehran reflects concerns about preventing the regional crisis from spilling over to neighboring states. Officials say Pakistan hopes the new Iranian leadership will pursue policies that reduce tensions and help stabilize the region.
“Pakistan wants peace and stability in the region,” Prime Minister Shehbaz wrote in the letter to the Iranian Supreme Leader, expressing hope that Mojtaba Khamenei’s leadership will guide Iran towards prosperity and stability.
(WITH ACCESS FROM APP)
